why is my car burning oil

You pull into a parking spot and notice a faint blue-ish smoke puffing from your tailpipe. Or maybe you’ve found yourself topping off the oil more frequently between changes. It’s a common worry for many drivers, and it points to one issue: your car is burning oil. While a small amount of oil consumption can be normal for some high-mileage engines, consistent burning is a sign that something isn’t quite right internally.

Figuring out why is my car burning oil is the first step toward a solution. It’s not just about the annoyance of adding more oil; it’s about protecting your engine from long-term damage. Let’s look at some of the most common culprits behind this smoky situation.

The Usual Suspects: Why is My Car Burning Oil?

Several worn internal parts can allow oil to sneak into the combustion chambers where it doesn’t belong. The most frequent offenders are your piston rings and valve seals. Piston rings create a seal between the piston and the cylinder wall. When they wear out, oil can seep past them and get burned along with the fuel. Similarly, worn valve seals allow oil to leak down the valve stems into the cylinders. Both issues become more common as your car accumulates miles.

Don’t Forget the PCV System

Your car’s Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system is designed to recycle fumes from the crankcase back into the engine to be burned. If the PCV valve gets clogged or fails, it can cause excessive pressure to build up inside the engine. This pressure can force oil past seals and gaskets, leading to increased oil consumption and burning. Fortunately, the PCV valve is often an easy and inexpensive part to replace.

What You Can Do About It

Staying on top of routine maintenance is your best defense. Always use the grade of oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you notice symptoms like blue exhaust smoke, a burning oil smell, or a slowly dropping oil level, it’s time to have a trusted mechanic take a look. They can perform a compression test or a leak-down test to pinpoint the exact cause.

While burning oil can be a sign of a serious repair, it’s often a manageable issue. Addressing it early can prevent more costly damage down the road, keeping your car running smoothly for many more miles.